Reference Metals, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM), has made a major impact on niobium consumption in North America for more than 20 years.

Various niobium products and compounds are supplied to Reference Metals by CBMM, which owns and operates the world’s largest niobium mine in Araxá, Brazil. The mine, which contains the richest ore available with inexhaustible reserves for the next 500 years, also was the first ever to receive ISO 14001 for its environmentally-friendly processes.

CBMM entirely finances the cost of its state-of-the-art production technology. The Araxá processing plant is designed to meet worldwide demand for standard grade ferroniobium while possessing the flexibility to double production within months if the market requires it.

Like its parent, Reference Metals is customer-driven with a constant goal of exceeding customer expectations. While the primary mission of Reference Metals is market development, it has supplied more than 50,000 tonnes of niobium products to customers in various industries through the 1980s and 90s.

Today, the company is responsible for 32 percent of all CBMM product sales.

CBMM is committed to price stability. Price increases occur only when increased efficiency in its operation is no longer able to absorb the cost of producing the product. Through the years, CBMM and Reference Metals have built a reputation for providing only the highest quality niobium products.

In addition, Reference Metals works in conjunction with its parent to offer Just In Time delivery that can substantially lower a customer’s operating costs through reduced inventories. Reference Metals has established a warehouse network in North America aligned with CBMM inventories maintained worldwide.

An ISO 9002-certified company, Reference Metals is a recognized leader in working with customers to develop new applications for niobium products that meet current industry needs. In addition, the company draws on the technical expertise of consultants from around the globe to develop customer solutions.

It also organizes and participates in seminars and conferences throughout the world as a way of disseminating the latest technical information related to niobium. In many instances, Reference Metals serves as a sponsor for such events.

The company also is an extension of CBMM regarding research and development, and has gained considerable prominence for its support of university research. Reference Metals, in a cooperative effort with selected customers and universities, participates in many of the more than 90 R&D projects involving CBMM.

Continuing to meet new challenges and build on relationships with valued customers throughout North America, Reference Metals is anxious to serve you.